Obama Swept Up in Linsanity

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – President Barack Obama is among those getting swept up in Linsanity.

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (R) and Jered Jeffries celebrate their win against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto Feb. 14, 2012. (REUTERS/Mike Cassese)

Mr. Obama was discussing New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin with his staff as he flew on Marine One from the White House for a three-day, three-state trip to raise money and pitch his economic agenda.

“It’s just a great story and the president was saying as much this morning,” White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters traveling with the president. “Obviously terrific for the New York Knicks, but it’s the kind of sports story that transcends the sport itself.”

Mr. Carney said the president — a Chicago Bulls fan, who coaches his daughter Sasha’s team and often plays on the weekends — has been following Mr. Lin’s every move, including watching the highlights from Tuesday night’s game, and is “very impressed.”

Mr. Lin, an unknown basketball player from Harvard until two weeks ago, has led the Knicks to six victories. On Tuesday night, he scored 27 points against the Toronto Raptors, sinking a tie-breaking, last-second three-pointer.